In a hall submerged in darkness, its dread dispelled only by a few pale candles whose flames danced against cold stone walls, seven towering seats stood in a row, each crowned with a finely carved symbol, representing a mythical beast or forgotten creature.
On them sat obscure figures, their features hidden beneath cloaks of shadow.
Silence stretched until it shattered with a booming, harsh voice, coming from the seat adorned with the dragon symbol:
"How long will we keep trading silence? I crossed endless distances to be here, and I won't waste my time waiting for cowards. Where are the rest of the attendants?"
The candle flames trembled, and a woman on the serpent's seat laughed, a cold laugh that stung like an icy dagger:
"You're right, Wrath… but what do you expect from Sloth and Greed? And Lust as well… daring to skip the meeting as if it were a game?"
Came the voice of Gluttony, calm yet laced with mockery:
"You know Lust is stuck with that family… and Sloth has withdrawn into seclusion. Neither will attend."
The serpent hissed with discontent, her words dripping venom:
"Lucky… he was given the easiest task."
But Gluttony shook her head, her tone heavier:
"No, the most dangerous one. A task no one else would dare."
The serpent chuckled coldly:
"All he needs is a silver tongue."
Gluttony answered with a faint smile, words like a knife's edge:
"And for that very reason… you are unfit for it."
Wrath growled, his voice shaking the hall:
"Enough petty quarrels! Let us begin the meeting, just thinking of them disgusts me."
Silence fell again, until Gluttony's voice rose, restoring balance:
"Since Greed is absent… let's return to the purpose of our gathering. We are here to monitor the progress of our missions."
…
Reports began to unfold:
Gluttony spoke with calculated coldness:
"In the Kingdom of Dawn… we have infiltrated most state institutions. But the royal family remains untouchable. Extremely cautious."
The others nodded in silence.
Envy spoke from the serpent's seat:
"As for me… nothing new. What you've seen in the news is enough."
Wrath laughed, a savage laugh sparking like embers:
"Cities obliterated, rivers of blood, corpses in the millions… yes, you've exceeded expectations, Envy."
Gluttony sighed with weary disdain:
"You truly despise humans, Wrath."
But he gave no reply. He only smiled, a smile thirsty for blood.
Then he turned toward the lion's seat:
"But… what about Pride? Silent since the beginning. Has he nothing to say?"
Envy smirked maliciously and fired her venomous arrow:
"Heh… don't you know? Pride… has taken a disciple."
The words struck like lightning. All eyes turned to the lion's seat.
Pride's voice cut through the darkness, sharp as a blade:
"You're insufferable… especially you, Envy."
The air froze.
He continued, voice cold and dripping with menace:
"How dare you spy on me? Had I not warned you before?"
Some trembled, feeling frost creep into their souls, but Envy hastily justified herself:
"I didn't follow you deliberately! Half a month ago, one of my followers encountered an imperial squad. He almost killed them, but one of them leaked information about your disciple."
Curiosity lit the eyes around, so she went on:
"When I learned that one of them had a peak-level affinity… I sent my followers to verify and capture him. There, they glimpsed the boy always by your side… Havi? Hapi?"
Gluttony chuckled softly:
"His name is Harvey."
Envy nodded:
"Yes… Harvey. And knowing the boy's affinity is ice… I deduced he became your disciple."
Wrath roared with amusement, savoring the predicament:
"So just a deduction?"
But the eyes returned to the lion, awaiting his word.
At last, Pride spoke, voice icy, cutting breath itself:
"His name is Arin. He is my nominal disciple… I have not acknowledged him yet. But I warn you: stay away from him."
A heavy silence reigned, none daring to reply.
Then, as if nothing had happened, Gluttony spoke with a light smile:
"Let's continue with the agenda."
…
At the same time, far from that dark hall…
A magical carriage halted before a towering spire, surrounded by a tide-like aura of power.
Arin and Harvey stepped out, wonder filling the boy's eyes as he gazed at the greatness before him: the Magic Tower.
A journey of long days shortened into a single one… but this place? It seemed like the beginning of a new story.